About Frigates

Like Cloudbreak, Frigates boasts an impressive size range from small to huge. Up to 6ft, it’s not too radical with wrapping hollow walls, very sensitive to swell direction. At size, truly frightening barrels can be had at the inside Bowl section, as unpredictable swell lines bend and leap over the knuckle of coral, protruding from the seemingly mid-ocean barrier reef, 22kms (14mi) from land. Words like thick, bowly, fast and hollow reserve Frigates for the experienced surfers, who will mostly stay at the couple of surf camps nestled on Yanutha Island, halfway back to Viti Levu. Wind can be strong, chopping up the face making the easy roll in much harder and E wind is probably best although NE will be fine outside while SE is dead offshore on the inside benders. High tide will improve makeability, especially on the inside section which can dredge out at low and help extend what is already a long, long ride. World-class? Hell yes!

If all the surfcamp boats are there at the same time, then it can get a bit crowded, but the length of the line-up helps spread the crew. Beware pushing it too far on the inside - it's a long way from nowhere. Rips, sharks, coral and the relentless sun are all to be avoided.